It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion.

In this edition, you’ll find posts on microchips, robot butlers, a Legos make-over and forecasting Hurricane Maria’s death toll.

Reinventing Lego Bricks for a New GenerationThe iconic Lego bricks may get a make-over, except they’ll look and feel exactly the same. That is, if the company can find a material that is more environmentally friendly and meets its rigorous quality standards. Read more…

Microchipping Opens Doors for Employees
Three Square Market’s employees are using microchips embedded in their hands to open doors, pay for snacks, and much more. As microchipping expands its reach, so do privacy concerns. Read more…

Meet Your New Bot Bellhop
Robots are making their way into the hospitality industry. The Sheraton Hotel in San Gabriel, California, now has a fleet of bots to deliver luggage — and guests — to their in-hotel destinations. Is this the start of a robot revolution? Read more…

Eight TUG robots, created by Aethon, Inc., assist with carrying luggage, delivering room service, and helping clean up rooms and hallways at the Sheraton Hotel in San Gabriel, California. The current favorite, named Gabriel, greets guests in the lobby with a display which reads, “Where do you want to go?” He then guides them to their destination within the hotel.

The robots are not replacing workers, but rather are being used to save workers time so they can focus on other tasks. This innovative technology is also used in many hospitals in the U.S. to deliver medication, food, and linens to patients in their rooms.

It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion.

In this edition, you’ll find posts on benefits, robots, and recycling.

Microsoft Pushes Paid Family Leave Down the Supply ChainMicrosoft has asked its suppliers and business partners to offer their employees 12 weeks of paid family leave. With Microsoft offering to help foot the bill, we have to ask… What’s the amazing upside? Read more…

Robot Burgers in San Francisco
For six bucks, Creator in San Francisco is offering a burger made to your specifications, within exacting tolerances. Its robot builds burgers to order, with precise amounts of your favorite condiments. Read more…

China Wants Only the Cleanest Trash
The Chinese government’s recent ban on low-grade recyclables has had far-reaching effects on the recycling industry. For example, Chinese companies have set up sorting facilities in the US, to secure a supply of clean recyclables. Read more…